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Cue the Dancing Zombies: ‘Thriller’ Musical in the Works

Fans gather at Madame Tussaud’s wax museum in Times Square to zombie-dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in an attempt to break a Guinness world record. (Jennifer 8. Lee/The New York Times)

For months, theatergoers have clamored for new blood on Broadway, and now they’re going to get it. The Nederlander Organization said in a statement that it had acquired the rights to produce a musical based on the Michael Jackson album “Thriller” and its groundbreaking video, in which the King of Pop transforms into a werewolf while he’s on a date. The production will feature songs from the “Thriller” album as well as Mr. Jackson’s record “Off the Wall.” Mr. Jackson is expected to participate in the musical’s creation. In a statement, James L. Nederlander, the president of the Nederlander Organization, said, “I love the idea of making ‘Thriller’ a musical. Girl meets boy, they fall in love, boy has big secret, now what…” A creative team for “Thriller the Musical” was not announced.

Well, my life will be complete by seeing this work of art, combining the best of music, literature and dance. Bob Fosse, Rogers and Hammerstein, Frank Loesser, and yes, even you newcomers like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Duncan Sheik will eat your hearts out wondering, “Why did I not create this musical?”

That innovative, creative beehive that is Broadway has excelled again. Way to go, you’ve created more pabulum for consumption by the gawking tourists from Idaho, right after they go out to a fine New York restaurant – Applebees, Chevys, Olive Garden, etc…..

Can’t we just push such insipid nonsense out of the Paper of Record already, the way we long ago pushed the Times Sq area out of our collective consciousnesses?

Wow! I hated Thriller the first time around, and now this. This is one show I will not see. How sad that Broadway is becoming one big uncreative and derivative show for children. However, my 18 year old niece might get suckered into paying to see a retread.